Water, water everywhere but not a lot to drink
Sunday 22nd March was World Water Day, a day chosen to remind us that 1 in 8 people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water. It is estimated that 10% of global disease is linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation and poor hygiene. Emmaus International is committed to working alongside local people in at Lake Nokoue in Benin to tackle these problems.
At first glance, there doesn't seem to be a problem at Lake Nokue - there is plenty of water.
There is very little effective sanitation or pollution control. Human waste, dead animals, rubbish and chemical residues from farming all end up in the lake. There are 65 000 people living in the area and 25% of them have no reliable access to safe water, with many of them having to travel miles to find a supply.
The Lake Nokoue Project is an ambitious plan to bring clean drinking water to the area and to improve public health by changing people's behaviour. It is driven by grass roots support and financed by the business acitivities of Emmaus Communities world wide, and by special sales such as the Paris Salon. Emmaus International facilitates the project by helping with infrastructure and by co-ordinating work camps. Last month, 22 Emmaus Companions and Community staff dug trenches for water pipes in the project pilot area, meeting local people and seeing for themselves how their efforts were helping improve other people's lives.
Companions Walk for Water
On Sunday 15th March three Companions from Emmaus Village Carlton set out on a mission: to walk twice around Harrold lake, once without water, once carrying water, in order to raise funds for Lake Nokoue.
Tom, Tony and Greggers had gorgeous weather on their 'Walk For Water' and raised a grand total of £300. Hopefully this walk will not only raise money but awareness of the causes Emmaus International is helping.
Published on 27th March, 2009
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